dslr with Dobsonions

[RainLaw]

Hi chaps,

I've seen a couple of threads about Dobsonions not suitable for DSLR's.

Skyliner-200P FlexTubeTM AUTO specificity comes with a dslr connection so what problems would i have if I was intending to buy and use this for long exposure deep space photo's?

[Capricorn]

A dobsonian mount is an Alt/Az moumt and objects although followed will rotate about their axis. So the image is blurred.

For anything resembling long duration the mount needs to be a equitorial.

[Ben Ritchie]

As well as field rotation I very much doubt that the FlexTube tracking drive is accurate enough for long-exposure imaging and there would be no way to autoguide it

[RikM]

I think the only reason the Dobs have 'direct connection for DSLR' is that it is a standard feature of the SW 2" Crayford. They are not intended to be used for long exposure deep sky imaging.

[hemihaggis]

as far as i know you should be able to get 20 second exposures ,maybe 30 sec exposures , with your dob on dso`s , it should give you good results on planets and the moon as you dont need long exposures on these targets . just give it a try

[jgs001]

In theory, if the drives and mount bearings are up to it, you can get up to 2 minute exposures low in the east/west. This comes down to between 30 and 40 seconds nearer the zenith and north/south. Give it a try if you have the kit already, you can't lose anything and it's good practice. The moon of course is easy as the shutter speed will be way to short to even need tracking.

[RainLaw]

thx lads for the info....looks like i wont be buying 1 of those then. I have a £500 limit, what scope I'm going to buy changes everyday and it's now just changed again. what scopes would you guys personally recommend for my needs?

[RikM]

If your main interest is to be deep sky imaging, I would recommend you save up a bit more £££ and in the mean time, get a copy of Steve's book 'Making every photon count'.

[jgs001]

The first thing to buy is Steve's book, no question. Then you start at the bottom and work up. The mount is key. No matter how good the kit on top, if the mount can't handle it, it won't do the job. If you've got a camera and some lenses, widefields are relatively easy and fun to do.